Gorilla Glue #4 Seed Review
Strain Review: Gorilla Glue #4 (Original Glue)
Genetics: Chem's Sister x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel Breeder: GG Strains (Josey Whales & Lone Watty) Type: 63% Indica / 37% Sativa (Hybrid) Flowering Time: 8–9 Weeks Difficulty: Moderate (Requires training and stress management to prevent hermaphroditism) Yield Potential: High (550g–650g/m²)
🏗️ The Executive Summary
Gorilla Glue #4 (now officially known as Original Glue due to adhesive trademark lawsuits) is the most important "accident" in cannabis history. Created by the late breeders Josey Whales and Lone Watty, this strain was born when a Chem's Sister plant accidentally pollinated a Sour Dubb. Josey initially threw the seeds away, but a friend germinated them. Phenotype #4 became a legend.
The name comes from the resin. It is so sticky that during the first trim session, the breeders' scissors got stuck together, reminding them of the commercial adhesive. GG4 completely dominated the mid-2010s, winning every cup imaginable. It is known for a distinct flavor profile of coffee, chocolate, and industrial diesel fuel, paired with a high that literally "glues" you to the couch.
Why Grow It? You grow GG4 for the Resin. It is widely considered one of the best extraction strains on Earth. The return on rosin pressing or washing is astronomical. However, it is a sensitive plant—it is prone to throwing "nanners" (male pollen sacs) if stressed, so it requires a grower with a steady hand.
🚜 The Grow Journal
Setup:
Environment: 5x5 Gorilla Grow Tent.
Lighting: 650W High-Efficiency LED (Full Spectrum).
Medium: 10 Gallon Smart Pots (Living Soil Blend).
Count: 4 Plants.
Training: SCROG (Screen of Green) - Mandatory for support.
🌱 The Vegetative Phase (Weeks 1–4)
Week 1 (Vigor): GG4 is a fast grower. Seedlings are lanky and vine-like from the start. The leaves are a lighter, lime green compared to deep Indicas.
Week 2 (Structure): The branching is chaotic. Unlike a symmetrical OG Kush, GG4 shoots branches in every direction. It wants to be a tangled mess.
Week 3 (Training): We top early (Node 4). We are aggressive with bending branches (LST). The stems are pliable and tough, handling stress well during veg.
Week 4 (The Flip): The plants fill the space quickly. We install the trellis net at 18 inches. We flip to 12/12. Note: We check light leaks rigorously. GG4 is notoriously sensitive to light leaks and will herm if the dark cycle is interrupted.
🌸 The Flowering Phase (Weeks 1–9)
Week 1 (The Stretch): The stretch is significant (about 100%). It doesn't just grow up; it grows out. We spend the first two weeks tucking branches to create an even canopy.
Week 2 (Stress Check): We monitor closely for pollen sacs on the lower nodes (lollipopping is crucial here to remove stress points).
Week 3 (Resin Onset): The "Glue" appears. The trichomes start forming incredibly early. The smell is faint but sharp—chemical cleaner.
Week 4 (Aroma): The terpene profile deepens. It smells like a mechanic's shop: grease, fuel, and dark chocolate.
Week 5 (The Frost): The sugar leaves are now completely white. The buds are forming irregular, chunky structures (not perfectly round).
Week 6 (Feeding): GG4 is a hungry plant. It loves Magnesium and Calcium. We keep the feed strong but ensure pH is perfect to avoid stress.
Week 7 (Support): The buds are heavy, but the stems are vine-like. We add a second trellis net. Without it, the plant would collapse under its own weight.
Week 8 (The Stink): The odor is offensive. It smells of sour coffee and skunk. Carbon filters are working overtime.
Week 9 (Harvest): We check trichomes. We want mostly cloudy. If you let GG4 go to amber, the couch-lock becomes paralyzing. We chop at day 63.
⚖️ The Harvest Report
Wet Weight: The buds are extremely sticky. You cannot touch them without needing alcohol to clean your hands.
Dry Weight: The 4 plants yielded 2.1 lbs (approx 950g).
Bag Appeal: 10/10. While the bud structure is sometimes a bit "wild" and chunky, the frost coverage is undeniable. They look like they were rolled in sugar.
Trimming Note: This is the hardest plant to trim. You will need to clean your scissors with alcohol every 10 minutes.
🏁 The Architect's Verdict
Gorilla Glue #4 is the Industrial Adhesive.
It is a powerhouse. It represents the peak of American hybrid breeding: maximum potency, maximum flavor, and maximum resin. It is not the easiest plant to grow due to its hermaphroditic tendencies and need for support, but the finished product is arguably the strongest weed on the commercial market.
Score: 9.7/10 (Potency + Resin) Best For: Extract artists, high-tolerance smokers, and growers looking for "One Hit Quit" potency.